Carnforth marina concerns raised

RESIDENTS turned out in force to oppose a planning application that would see a marina and hotel built in a north Lancashire town.

More than 100 people attended a meeting of Carnforth Town Council to object to proposals to build a 50-berth marina, 100-bed hotel and wind turbine between Carnforth Brow and the A601.

The proposed development on the 7.2 hectare site would also include car parking, landscaping and a roundabout. A planning application has been lodged with Lancaster City Council by developer Robert
Hughes.

Locals voiced concerns about flooding, which could lead to increased house insurance costs, rising crime levels and access.

Linda Downs, of the adjacent Wellmar Estate, said: “The only access to our estate is via North Road, and what will we do while the development goes ahead, if this is used? The road isn’t wide
enough for lorries.

“We are not sure when the motorway island will be built but until then, where will the traffic go?”

And Michael Mitchell, who lives on the same estate, said: “I am worried about thieves because building a car park so close to the motorway could cause a rise in crime levels. I am also annoyed more
green space would disappear. All I would see out of my window is the development.”

Terry Burke, a police crime prevention adviser, posted a letter on the Lancaster City Council website which supports Mr Mitchell’s fears.

“Whilst crime levels in the location are low, due to the nature of the development potentially crime would increase due to the opportunity for theft,” he wrote.

“The site will become particularly attractive to travelling criminals due to the proximity of the M6.”

Graham Salisbury, of Graham Anthony Associates, the applicant’s agent, said: “The new roundabout would allow vehicles to go in and out of the site. It would not increase traffic through the
neighbouring roads.

“This was an essential part of the design and has been conveyed from the start. The development won’t go ahead until this has been constructed.

“I haven’t seen the police letter, but I can assure people that we will work with the community police officers at the detailed designed stage, and will be happy to do so.”